Great News : for Red Raiders: Behren Morton Set to Return 100% This Summer After Shoulder Surgery – Hear His Message to Fans

Red Raiders Rejoice: Behren Morton Set to Return at 100% This Summer After Shoulder Surgery

Lubbock, TX — In what is undoubtedly a massive boost for Texas Tech football, starting quarterback Behren Morton has confirmed he will return at full health this summer following successful shoulder surgery. The Red Raiders’ signal-caller, who has shown nothing but heart, grit, and leadership, is not only healing — he’s aiming to come back stronger than ever.

The announcement ends months of speculation surrounding Morton’s status after he played the majority of the 2023 season with a significant shoulder injury. Fans can now breathe easy: the leader of the offense is locked in for 2025, fully focused, and physically ready to reclaim his spot under center.

Playing Through the Pain: A Gritty 2023 Campaign

Behren Morton sustained a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder during Texas Tech’s Big 12 opener against West Virginia last fall. Lesser players may have bowed out for the year — but not Morton.

Despite the injury, Morton started all 12 games, throwing for 3,335 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions — ranking him in the top 10 nationally for total passing yards. He led Texas Tech to a 7–5 regular-season record, helping the Red Raiders post one of the most explosive offenses in the conference, averaging over 38 points per game.

His toughness became legend in Lubbock. Teammates praised his warrior mentality, while coaches continually emphasized his leadership — even while operating at less than full capacity.

Surgery and a Strategic Pause

In December, just weeks before the Liberty Bowl, Morton and his family made a tough decision. After consulting several NFL-level medical experts and team physicians, he opted to undergo elective surgery to repair his injured shoulder.

The procedure, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles — a name synonymous with elite sports medicine — was deemed a success. As a precaution and recovery measure, Morton sat out the bowl game against Arkansas, turning the reins over to backup quarterbacks to give his shoulder the time it needed.

In a statement released post-surgery, Morton was open about his thought process:

> “After hearing from several leading NFL medical experts, my family and I felt it was best to get this procedure done now so that I can fully rehab this spring and be ready for the start of summer workouts.”

> “As I’ve said all year, this injury did not impact me at all this past season. I elected to undergo this surgery now for my long-term success, which will allow me to invest more time in offseason strength and conditioning and my development as a quarterback. I love this team and will be there every step of the way as a captain and leader entering the bowl game.”

These words not only reflected maturity and foresight but also highlighted the kind of teammate and leader Morton continues to be — even when sidelined.

The Road to 100%

Rehabilitation has gone better than expected. According to Texas Tech’s training staff, Morton has already resumed light throwing activities and strength training. Full contact remains off the table until early summer, but all signs point to him being cleared in time for preseason training camp.

His recovery is being monitored closely, but insiders say he’s “ahead of schedule,” and the coaching staff has already begun installing offensive packages tailored to Morton’s skill set and new physical potential.

What This Means for the Red Raiders

The Red Raiders are entering 2025 with momentum. A returning healthy QB1 in Morton, paired with a seasoned offensive line, explosive skill players, and a defense that ended 2024 on a high note, puts Texas Tech in strong position to contend in the Big 12.

Head coach Joey McGuire addressed Morton’s return with optimism:

> “Behren is the heartbeat of this team. The way he fought through pain last season shows his character. With him healthy, we believe we have one of the most dangerous offenses in college football.”

Morton’s chemistry with rising stars at wide receiver and tight end, along with a bolstered running game, makes Texas Tech a sleeper pick for a deep postseason run.

Message to the Fans

In a short video posted on Texas Tech’s official football social media page, Morton shared a direct message with fans: